Craig Counsell enjoys rare father-son moment as Brady surprises him before Cubs vs Diamondbacks game

Spring training often brings unexpected moments that go beyond the game itself. Before the Chicago Cubs faced the Arizona Diamondbacks in a Cactus League matchup at Sloan Park, Cubs manager Craig Counsell discovered that his son Brady Counsell was included in Arizona’s traveling squad.

What started as a routine exchange of lineup cards quickly turned into a rare father-son moment on a major league field.Craig Counsell noticed Brady’s name when the Diamondbacks sent their lineup and travel list ahead of the game. The Cubs manager then sent a photo of the list to his wife Michelle. Her response surprised him because she already knew about it.

Craig Counsell realizes his son Brady Counsell is in the Diamondbacks travel squad for the game

“He knew last night,” Craig said with a smile on Thursday morning.

“But he didn’t tell me last night. He told his mom.” Brady had informed his mother about the news before the game. He decided not to tell his father right away. Brady explained that he wanted the moment to be a surprise.“I called her last night when I found out and told her. I was going to tell him but figured it’d be a little more fun as a surprise for him when he found out.”Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo helped make the moment possible during the spring training game.

Lovullo remembered a similar experience involving his own family years earlier. That memory influenced his decision to include Brady in the traveling group.Lovullo said he understood how meaningful the opportunity could be. He recalled when his son Nick was coaching in the Cubs system. Former Cubs manager David Ross allowed Nick to travel with the team for a similar moment.“I've had that moment,” Lovullo said. “I know what it meant to me.

It's very impactful. And you don't get this opportunity very often in baseball.”Craig Counsell and Brady met at home plate before the game began. They stood with the umpiring crew while exchanging lineup cards. Craig then gave his son a quick hug on the field.Craig later shared another light moment from the interaction. First base umpire Bruce Dreckman also greeted Brady during the exchange. The moment added to the memorable scene before the game.“I said, ‘This is my son, Bruce,’” Craig said after the game. “And then Bruce got all excited and gave him a big hug, which was cool.”The story also reflects the Counsell family’s long connection with the Diamondbacks. Arizona selected Brady in the 10th round of the 2024 MLB Draft after his college career at Kansas. Craig Counsell also played two stints with the franchise earlier in his career.Brady said being drafted by the same organization carried special meaning for him. He spoke about his father’s history with the team and the 2001 championship. Brady also shared his hopes for the future with the franchise.